Capture of Santa Fe facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capture of Santa Fe
Part of the Mexican–American War
Doniphan's map
Date August 15, 1846 Location Santa Fe, New Mexico Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico
Commanders and leaders
Stephen W. Kearny	Manuel Armijo
Strength
1,700	unknown

The Capture of Santa Fe was an important event during the Mexican–American War. It happened near Santa Fe, which was the capital of the Mexican area called New Mexico. This event took place between August 8 and August 14, 1846. What's special about it is that no shots were fired, meaning there was no actual battle.

Why Santa Fe Was Captured

The American Plan

During the Mexican–American War, the United States wanted to gain control of new lands. United States Army General Stephen W. Kearny led a group of about 1,700 soldiers. This group was called the "Army of the West."

General Kearny and his army marched southwest from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Their main goal was to take control of the New Mexico Territory and Alta California.

Mexico's Defense Efforts

In Santa Fe, the Mexican Governor, Manuel Armijo, first wanted to avoid a fight. However, some local leaders and military officers convinced him to prepare a defense. These leaders included Catholic priests, a young army commander named Diego Archuleta, and militia officers Manuel Chaves and Miguel Pino.

Governor Armijo decided to set up his defense in Apache Canyon. This was a narrow mountain pass about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Santa Fe. It was a good place to stop an invading army.

A Change of Plans

But on August 14, before the American army even arrived, Governor Armijo changed his mind. He decided not to fight. Some people say that an American named James Magoffin helped convince Armijo not to battle. There's an unconfirmed story that Magoffin even bribed Governor Armijo.

When some of the Mexican soldiers, like Pino and Chaves, still wanted to fight, Armijo ordered his cannons to be pointed at them! The Mexican army then went back to Santa Fe, and Governor Armijo left for Chihuahua.

The Capture of Santa Fe

General Kearny and his American troops arrived on August 15. They did not find any Mexican forces waiting for them. Kearny and his army entered Santa Fe without any fighting.

On that day, General Kearny claimed the New Mexico Territory for the United States. This was a big victory for the Americans because they took control of the capital without a single shot being fired.

What Happened Next

After the Capture

After securing Santa Fe, General Kearny sent Colonel Alexander William Doniphan further south into Mexico.

On August 18, General Kearny declared himself the military governor of the New Mexico Territory. He then set up a new government for the area. After that, he took the rest of his army and continued west towards Alta California.

Later Resistance

The people of New Mexico did not organize a major fight against the Americans right away. However, there was a planned revolt in Santa Fe in December 1846. This plot involved many Mexican loyalists.

General Sterling Price found out about the plan from Donaciano Vigil. He stopped the revolt before it could happen. The first major organized resistance from the New Mexicans was the Taos Revolt in early 1847.

See also

In Spanish: Batalla de Santa Fe para niños